Giorgia Meloni delivered her closing address at the Atreju 2024 festival this Sunday, marking the culmination of what has become not just a youth gathering but also a showcase for her government’s achievements over the past two years. The event, held at the iconic Circo Massimo, witnessed a vibrant assembly of over 300 guests, featuring political leaders, including former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who Meloni indicated as her successor for the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
During her hour-long speech, Meloni underscored the significance of “political stability,” asserting it as the bedrock for Italy’s credibility on both national and international stages. "Stability guarantees international credibility and authority without which welfare cannot be produced," she declared, emphasizing her belief the government will remain intact throughout its term. The premier confidently affirmed, "We will arrive compact to the end of the government and beyond.”
Throughout her address, she detailed her government’s accomplishments, noting, "We've created almost one million jobs and Berlusconi would be proud"—a direct nod to Silvio Berlusconi, whose legacy of job creation has been celebrated over decades. Meloni also highlighted healthcare investments, noting the current government allocation marked the biggest increase ever, amounting to 12 billion euros. "The political stability of this government is the greatest element of discontinuity and strength," she said, addressing those who often express skepticism toward her administration.
Beyond celebrating her government’s track record, Meloni made significant announcements, including her planned resignation from the presidency of the ECR. She explained, "We’ll open the nominations; I presume Morawiecki will be among them... and this applause confirms we will support you,” expressing her commitment to Morawiecki as the next leader of the ECR.
The festival featured several discussions covering pressing national and global issues, filled with political commentary and strategic dialogues highlighting Italy’s geopolitical role. Meloni noted the complexity of the current geopolitical climate and reinforced the government’s stance, asserting, "Many have bet on our failure, but they have picked the wrong horse."
She did not shy away from critiquing the opposition during her speech, particularly targeting CGIL’s leader Maurizio Landini and the Secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein. "The truth is Landini doesn’t organize strikes to help workers but to assist the left," she stated, drawing distinctions between her administration’s approach and the opposition's tactics. Addressing Schlein, Meloni mockingly remarked, "She stutters when she tries to say Stellantis, maybe she's too busy with other priorities like rap duets or parade dancing."
Recounting the festival’s legacy, Meloni reminisced about its origins, "It was 1998, at Colle Oppio, when Atreju was the challenge of a generation trying to overcome ideological divides." She remarked on the time’s evolution, stating, "Today, it's another world, but it’s our world. We must acknowledge this because anyone who cannot look back cannot claim to move forward."
Her speech culminated with her call for continued unity and reform within her government, stating emphatically, "We are people free from factionalism; we aim to disappoint the left, which is our favorite sport." Meloni’s message heralded not just her government’s achievements, but also foreshadowed her ambitions for Italy’s role on the international stage, reflecting her strong nationalistic views combined with aspirations for Italy to assert itself as a model for others to follow.
Overall, Atreju 2024 served as not only a political rally but also as Meloni's platform to solidify her government’s narrative amid criticism and growing expectations. It remains to be seen how her leadership will steer Italy forward, particularly with upcoming reforms aimed at addressing changes needed within the political and social fabric of the nation. With her enthusiastic party support, the premier fiercely declared, "We are returning to run and amaze the world!".
